The Australian Police have been using Tasers for a similar amount of time as the UK. I expect they have the same problems &Ã‚Â criticismÃ‚Â as everywhere else in the world.

The linked article on the Perth Now website, shows a short vieo from Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan to his troops in Western Australia advising against misuse of Tasers but importantly, offering his full support for officers who use them in Ã‚Â good faith to defend themselves or others.

Does anyone have any examples of a UK chief showing support for his or her officers?

You can skip to the end and leave a comment. Pinging is currently not allowed.
RSS 2.0

3 comments

Civ_In_The_City says:

Oh dear, so near but still so far. Commissioner O’Callaghan almost got a Commonwealth gold for sensible policing, let`s watch the replay in slow-motion to pin-point where it all went wrong:

“Tasers are provided for your protection and for that of the community.”

A strong start straight out of the gate. A clear statement of fact, no doubts there. A non-lethal option for the good of all.

“You are trained to make balanced judgements in difficult situations.”

A good first section, poised and balanced. We`ve got the right tool for the job in the right hands.

“I have no intention to try to further regulate your use of force options.”

A refreshing move there, not seen that in a while. No more forms, no policies and procedures and training courses? Where`s he going with this?

“Any attempt to regulate what is essentially a process of thought and judgement, is misguided and fraught with danger.”

Crikey, innovative, original moves on display today, he`s two points clear of his nearest rival and not slowing.

“Do not be afraid to use them because of recent publicity.”

You`re only as good as you last performance, at this rate he`s definitely in the medals. Another smart new move from this unknown talent.

“Make sure you act fairly and within set down procedures.”

A bit safe but a solid move, cementing his strong position.

“You may be called upon to justify your response.”

Another safe move but it`s a 3-pointer, gold medal position just an inch away from this rising star performer.

“If you act in good faith you are entitled to my full support.”

Superb! It`s a years old trick but re-worked and re-invigorated for the modern policing arena, ten points clear, the gold medal is his, I can hear the celebrations in Sydney now.

“Recently we instructed that arresting officers entering the Perth watchhouse must leave their Tasers outside, this simply provides a firewall to avoid the perception that any subsequent taser use is emotive.”

OH NO! Disaster at the last turn, he`s blown it with a completely useless bit of ploddlygook showboating. It`ll impress his coach but not the judges here today. He`s completely undone all his hard work with that ridiculous and unnecessary move. What happened to the ‘no new regulation’ or the ‘you`re trained so we trust you’, or even ‘you`ll get my full support’. When the chips were down he`s choked, could handle the pressure in the arena.

‘… provides a firewall to prevent the perception of emotive Taser usage …’.

It brings tears to my eyes. What was he thinking?. Let`s hope he can redeem himself in 2012, assuming he gets picked for the squad. So sad.

October 14th, 2010 at
11:01

Fee says:

Hang on, are UK police chiefs allowed to support their officers? I thought their job was to slavishly follow every new diktat from London as though their very lives depended on it.

Oh,I’m so cynical for one so young(ish).

October 14th, 2010 at
13:21

Ex-Peeler says:

Fee, I have the answer.

All chief Officers should be given a bonus every time they actually speak out in support of their members undergoing trial by media etc…….don’t hold your breath though!